With that success story in mind, what lessons can Disney apply from their Marvel deal to their "Star Wars" acquisition? Here are the three big ones:

Get Creators Involved
Kevin Feige, Joe Quesada, Brian Michael Bendis … even if they're not household names, these are guys who already worked at Marvel, people who already had long histories with the characters as both professionals and fans. Having Marvel die-hards involved with Marvel movies was, and continues to be, a key component to the success of these films. Disney would be wise to lean on Uncle George when necessary, yes, but they need to consider other leaders in the "Star Wars" universe, too: Dave Filoni of "Clone Wars" fame, "Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matt Senreich, the Dark Horse team behind the "Star Wars" comics… just to name a few.

Hire Exciting New Talent
When we say "new," we don't mean "unheard of." Joss Whedon was not an unknown quantity to Marvel fans; he wrote the celebrated "Astonishing X-Men" and penned an arc on "Runaways," as two examples. But with only "Serenity" under his belt as a feature film director, Whedon was an exciting but nail-biting choice to direct "Avengers" — a choice that ultimately paid off. Hire someone of similar risk-reward value and you won't just have our curiosity, Disney — you'll have our attention.

Stay The Hell Out Of The Way
More than anything, Disney, trust the brand you bought. Marvel's movies worked because Marvel people made them. "Star Wars" movies will work because "Star Wars" people made them. You own the restaurant, Disney, so spend the money and do the PR legwork. But stay away from the kitchen. Let the chefs cook. That's what worked with Marvel, and that's what will work here.

What lessons from their Marvel deal should Disney keep in mind with "Star Wars"? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter!

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Cover Artist

Splash Page welcomes Ed Tadem to our cover artist family (our custom-designed theme up top). Currently working on the forthcoming "Avengers" animated series, Tadem's work can also be seen in the "Jackie Karma" issues of Image's "'76," and in "Pop Gun, Volume 1." Ed Tadem can be found online at EdTadem.com.